Stoke City open to loaning Maurice Edu

Having played a grand total of 10 minutes since joining Stoke City in August, Maurice Edu's move to Stoke City hasn't panned out as hoped and the American is expected to be loaned elsewhere this month.

Goal.com has learned that the Premier League club will be amicable in allowing Edu to join a team on loan as the midfielder looks to lock down a starting spot on the U.S. national team prior to this year's World Cup qualifying.

"If there is an opportunity that his club feels can benefit both club and player, they will consider loaning him out," a source close to Edu told Goal.com.

Edu joined Stoke City from Rangers after the Scottish giant's financial complications forced the team to restart the organization in Scotland's fourth tier. The 25-year-old can play defensive midfield and center back and his ability as defender was expected to be a good fit in Tony Pulis' system at Stoke. Unfortunately for the former Toronto FC No. 1 draft pick, that hasn't been the case.

The source mentioned that Edu has a few interested parties, especially in teams that have lost players to the African Cup of Nations. The source confirmed that several Ligue 1 sides are interested in Edu but wouldn't comment if any teams in England were willing to make a move.

The only factor that could potentially block any move is Pulis' reluctance to let go of a player who could provide cover at two important positions should an injury happen. Still, it appears likely that Edu will be allowed to go on loan by the end of January.